What are antioxidants? They are substances that help prevent damage caused by oxidation.

While oxygen is an essential part of human existence, there are times when it can also be damaging. Oxidation is when oxygen combines with another material and leads to a negative outcome -- for example, fruits rot because of oxidation. Similarly, oxidation causes our body to age and degenerate. When the cells in the human body are exposed to free radicals, oxidation takes place. In a nutshell, your ageing process depends on your ability to protect cells from oxidation.

Unfortunately, free radicals are all around us -- we're exposed to them daily through toxic chemicals that are absorbed through the skin or breathed in. Free radicals damage the tissues and are also known to affect memory, cause mood swings, wrinkles, hardening of the arteries, stiff joints and several other problems. While the human body is capable of handling a certain amount of free radicals, when your system gets overloaded, it affects your body's ability to cope and results in premature aging and health issues.

They are present in plant foods and destroy free radicals. This, in turn, promotes the growth of healthy cells and keeps premature ageing at bay. One of the best things you could do to protect yourself is to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and seeds in your diet.

Nutrients that reduce free radical damage should be rich in vitamins C, E and vitamins B, flavonoids and beta-carotene. Here are some foods that are packed with antioxidants...

Cranberries, blackberries, blueberries and citrus fruits are known to be full of antioxidants that promote collagen and reduce wrinkles.